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Ricciardo, 30, will now fill Sainz's shoes at McLaren in 2021, just two years after he jumped ship from Red Bull Racing.

The Australian has made no secret of his desire to win world titles, and moved to Renault in the hope of edging closer to his dream.

But he has fallen further from the podium since, with McLaren overtaking Renault in the constructors standings last season.

Daniel Ricciardo will be joining McLaren at the end of the season (Image: PA)

Ricciardo tweeted: "I am so grateful for my time with @renaultf1team and the way I was accepted into the team. But we aren’t done and I can’t wait to get back on the grid this year. My next chapter isn’t here yet, so let’s finish this one strong. Merci."

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown commented: “Signing Daniel is another step forward in our long-term plan and will bring an exciting new dimension to the team, alongside Lando [Norris]. This is good news for our team, partners and of course our fans.

“I also want to pay tribute to Carlos for the excellent job he has been doing for McLaren in helping our performance recovery plan. He is a real team player and we wish him well for his future beyond McLaren.”

The domino effect could now go full swing, with Vettel one of the rumoured candidates to follow Ricciardo into the seat at Renault.

Carlos Sainz is expected to join Ferrari (Image: REUTERS)

Speculation has also linked two-time world champion Fernando Alonso into coming out of retirement for an emotional return to Renault alongside Esteban Ocon.

Renault's managing director Cyril Abiteboul said: "In our sport, and particularly within the current extraordinary situation, reciprocated confidence, unity and commitment are, more than ever, critical values for a works team.

"I am confident that the 2020 season will allow us to accomplish even more together. Our ambitions and the strategy of Renault DP World F1 Team remain unchanged."

Ferrari have to secured the signing of Sainz, who has impressed in his five-year stint in F1 so far.

After starting his career at Torro Rosso, Sainz moved to Renault in 2017, before joining McLaren last year.

The Spaniard was holding talks over staying at McLaren beyond 2020, but the lure of joining Ferrari has convinced him to move on.

"I am very happy that I will be driving for Scuderia Ferrari in 2021 and I'm excited about my future with the team," said Sainz.

"I still have an important year ahead with McLaren Racing and I'm really looking forward to going racing again with them this season."

Vettel has reached his own crossroads with Ferrari after failing to agree new terms on a contract extension.

The four-time world champion could even retire from the sport entirely after hinting he was considering his options.